Recycling Events and Extravaganzas

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to get rid of old stuff. Many communities host events to reuse or recycle those old items.

Here's how it works:- Find out what is being collected at the next upcoming Recycling Extravaganza-Pack up your car, and drive to the location - usually a big parking lot.- As you drive thru the parking lot, volunteers help you unload your unwanted items at different stations.- The items are donated to charity, if possible, or properly recycled, otherwise.Ongoing and upcoming events are listed below or in the calendar to the right. Usually these events are in the spring and fall. Unless otherwise noted, all events should be open to the public.

For each event, be sure to check the list of items accepted -- each community decides what to collect. If books are collected, its usually a book exchange; bring books you don't want and you can take books that have been donated by others. Result: Reuse before Recycle!

Keep Cooking Fats, Oils, and Grease Out of Your Sink

Even if hot water is running and the grease is liquid when it goes down the drain, cooking oils and fats solidify as soon as they reach cold pipes. Cities and homeowners spend thousands of dollars on resulting sewer clogs. It's illegal to put liquids into the garbage, and used cooking oil can be recycled into bio-fuel! Instead of dumping it down the drain, put your cooking oil, no matter how small the amount, into a container, and store until there is a cooking oil recycling event. Learn more in this video from the Texas "Cease the Grease" program.

1341 N. Paulina Street (corner of Ashland and Milwaukee)Chicago Biofuels has begun a pilot program at Jewel Osco to collect liquid vegetable cooking oil. 100% of the oil collected will be turned into Biodiesel. Stop by the Wicker Park Jewel to check out their outdoor bin and drop off cooking oil.

Recycle your Old Fridge or Freezer for FREE and Earn Money!

ComEd offers a $35 rebate for recycling your old working fridge or freezer. Make an appointment for ComEd to pick up your fridge or freezer for free and receive your rebate. Schedule today at Comed.com or call 888-806-2273.

This program is part of ComEd's Smart Ideas® energy efficiency programs. Since the program launched two years ago, they have helped residents save the amount of energy required to power about 75,000 homes for one year. The numbers have exceeded goals set by ComEd in June of 2008!

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation and education center, owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. They have a extensive list of items that are needed year round to care for native and passing migrant wildlife in DuPage County.

Next time you're hosting a party, ask guests to bring an item from the wish list in lieu of a hostess gift.